Ducks 16U forward Barriga signs NAHL tender with Amarillo

January 2, 2013

The Anaheim Jr. Ducks of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) have announced that 16U team forward Elijiah Barriga has signed an NAHL tender with the Amarillo Bulls.

The signing for the 16-year-old Barriga came on the heels of his performance at the most recent NAPHL event, which took place from December 27-30 in Frisco, Texas. Barriga (5’11/185) led the 16U Ducks to a 3-1-0 record at the event, as they now sit in 2nd place in the NAPHL’s 16U White Division with a 14-2-1 record through four events played. Their only two losses in regulation this season have each been by a goal to the undefeated Omaha 16U squad.

The native of West Covina, California, had five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in four games at the event. His 26 points to date is tied for the team lead and ranks in the Top 10 in the NAPHL 16U Division. Earlier this season, Barriga was named the Pointstreak Peak Performer for October in the 16U Division.

“I think Elijiah is one of the best forwards in the entire PHL,” said Anaheim 16U head coach Jim Burcar. “He has great vision of the ice, great skill and I think he will make a great junior player one day very soon. He also has a very strong hockey IQ, which makes him a smart player and someone that I think scouts took immediate notice of.”

As a first-year 16U forward last season playing for the then Orange County Hockey Club (which this season became the Anaheim Jr. Ducks), Barriga was the team’s #1 offensive threat as a 15-year-old. He led the team with 19 points in 18 games played.

The Amarillo Bulls play in the NAHL’s South Division and won both the South Division regular season and playoff titles last season. Their 26-3-3 record so far this season not only leads the South Division, but the entire NAHL as well.